Mind mapping plus!

SpiderScribe is a new mind mapping tool that does more than just organize ideas.  It also allows you to add pictures, documents, Google maps, and adjustable notes. A calendar item is also available.  Best of all the mind map resides in "the cloud" so can be accessed from any location.  It can also be shared and multiple, simultaneous edits are possible.  It does use Flash, so iPad use may not be possible if you have not added the Flash plugin.  Registration is Free.  There is no limit to the number of mind maps you can create.

See a 2 minute video about use of SpiderScribe.  Teacher training videos are available here.

Sometimes paper is best

Many of us are familiar with digital graphic organizers - sometimes called mind maps, but sometimes paper is the way to go, especially with small groups physically in the same spot! For just some times Holt McDougal Online has published, free of charge, downloadable PDF files for various organizers. They also come with teaching notes on how to use them in the classroom.

Mind Mapping

Webspriation is a great visual thinking tool. If you are familiar with Inspiration, you'll know where the name originates. There are many names for this: concept mapping, mind maps, idea webs. Whatever you want to call it, visual thinking clarifies thinking and is another way of organizing ideas.

Perhaps the best thing about this (besides the fact that it is currently free) is that it is housed online so allows the user to set up collaboration groups.

What a great tool for collaboration with groups in different schools! Here is a sample of a collaboration amongst our 10 buildings to create the 'backbone' of our 'shared folders' section.
It will be too small to see here, but click on it and it will enlarge.